PHOTOS: LA's New Backyard 'Granny Flat' Plans Are Home Design Eye Candy

March 11, 2021

These backyard units aren't just "sheds with beds." They're beautifully designed homes pre-approved as Accessory Dwelling Units, which single-family homeowners can now build as long-term rentals under the bill co-authored by UCLA City Lab director Dana Cuff. 

Exterior view of a modular design by Abodu.

"Whether you're a homeowner looking to monetize your outdoor space or just another millennial who's pandemic obsession has become scrolling through pictures of beautiful homes you could never afford, you'll want to pour yourself a cocktail and let your eyes feast on L.A.'s new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs.

The concept of ADUs is simple: We all know that Los Angeles is in the middle of a housing crisis. In 2019, Harvard reaserchers deemed the housing market in L.A. and Orange counties, the most "cost-burdened" in the entire country. And despite many attempts at reform, homelessness actually increased by 13% in 2020 (we don't have complete data yet on how the pandemic has affected this, but it's not likely to be an improvement).

One way to address this? Build more housing."— Gina Pollack, Mar. 11 2021

This post is an excerpt. Read the full article on the LAist website.
Read more about Dana Cuff.

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